Four leading cement and lime manufacturers (Tarmac, Holcim, Breedon and Buxton Lime) have joined forces for their industries through the Peak Cluster initiative to reduce their carbon emissions.
Peak Cluster will develop the infrastructure needed to capture, transport, and permanently store COâ‚‚. This will involve a 198km pipeline from Derbyshire and Staffordshire, through Cheshire and the Wirral, where it will be pumped from the shore up to Morecambe Bay. There will be 6 above ground installations.
Since cement production accounts for 75% of global COâ‚‚ emissions, Peak Cluster will reduce the environmental impact by preventing over 3 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ from entering the atmosphere each year.
The process will involve the Peak Cluster applying for DCO in 2027, with a proposed determination in 2029, we detail the process below.
PRE-APPLICATION
This is the stage where the applicant begins developing their proposal. They must consult with local people and organisations, as well as prepare detailed assessments outlining the project’s potential environmental impacts.
Getting involved early is crucial, as it provides an opportunity to shape the application before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
ACCEPTANCE
At this stage, the applicant submits their application documents to the Planning Inspectorate. They then review them to determine whether the application can be accepted for examination. They have 28 days to make this decision.
PRE-EXAMINATION
An Examining Authority—made up of one or more inspectors—is appointed at this stage. Anyone wishing to participate must register now.
The applicant must announce that the application has been accepted and provide details on when and how interested parties can register. The registration period is determined by the applicant but must be at least 30 days.
The pre-examination phase typically lasts around three months.
EXAMINATION
The Examining Authority will pose questions about the proposed development. The applicant, along with anyone who has registered to participate, can contribute by submitting comments at each deadline set in the examination timetable. Hearings may also be held, which you can attend. This stage can last up to six months.
RECOMMENDATION
The Examining Authority prepares its recommendation report, which must be completed and submitted to the relevant Secretary of State within three months of the examination ending.
DECISION
During the decision stage, the relevant Secretary of State reviews the report and issues the final decision. They have three months to do so.
AFTER THE DECISION IS MADE?
After the Secretary of State issues a decision, it can be challenged in the High Court. Any challenge must follow the correct legal procedures, and the High Court will determine whether there are valid grounds for a judicial review.
This must be done within six weeks
WHAT WE ADVISE
Early engagement is key for both parties to understand the scheme but also to ensure the acquiring authority understand the ownership and the business.
This scheme may never happen however if it does burying ones head in the sand will not help matters.
Please do not hesitate to contact Tom or Carys on 01829423183